2003 Pontiac Montana

Defect. DORMAN IS RECALLING 979 STEERING KNUCKLES, DORMAN P/NOS. 697-902 AND 697-903, SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS<SUP>TM</SUP>" BRAND NAME, AND NAPA P/NOS. 7-8502 AND 7-8503 WHICH WERE SOLD FOR REPLACEMENT USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. A POTENTIAL MATERIAL OR DESIGN DEFECT COULD RESULT IN THE STEERING KNUCKLE BREAKING IN THE HUB AREA.

Risk. A BROKEN STEERING KNUCKLE COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy. DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE STEERING KNUCKLES FREE OF CHARGE AND REIMBURSE THE REPAIR FACILITY OR OWNER FOR LABOR. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 23, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DORMAN'S TOLL-FREE HOTLINE AT 1-800-523-2492 AND PRESS 5.

Defect. ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, VARIATIONS IN THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS OR EXPOSURE TO HIGH AMBIENT TEMPERATURES MAY LEAD TO FRACTURE OF THE FUEL TANK INLET CHECK VALVE (ICV).

Risk. A FRACTURE MAY ALLOW FUEL VAPORS TO PASS THROUGH AND ALLOW DROPLETS OF FUEL TO ACCUMULATE ON THE SIDE OF THE FUEL TANK. FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK. THE RECALL WILL BE MAILED IN TWO PHASES WITH THE FIRST PHASE BEGINNING ON DECEMBER 4, 2007. THE SECOND PHASE WILL BE MAILED ON DECEMBER 13, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080; CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438; OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668. THE VEHICLE POPULATION INCLUDES BUICK RENDEZVOUS AND PONTIAC AZTEK VEHICLE BUILT IN MAY 2003; CHEVROLET VENTURE AND PONTIAC MONTANA VEHICLES BUILT FROM JUNE THROUGH AUGUST 2002; AND ALL VEHICLES REGISTERED IN NEVADA, ARIZONA, VIRGIN ISLANDS, PUERTO RICO, AND HAWAII.

Defect. CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.

Risk. FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.

Remedy. DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.

Defect. ON CERTAIN MINIVANS EQUIPPED WITH SECOND-ROW BUCKET SEATS OR CAPTAIN'S CHAIRS AND A POWER SLIDING DOOR ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE, A PASSENGER USING THE INTERIOR HANDLE TO OPEN THE POWER SLIDING DOOR COULD BE INJURED.

Risk. IF A PASSENGER USES THE INTERIOR HANDLE TO OPEN THE POWER SLIDING DOOR AND HOLDS ONTO THE HANDLE WHILE IT IS BEING OPENED BY THE MOTOR, THE PASSENGER'S ARM MAY BE PUSHED INTO THE SEAT BACK OR ARMREST AND A WRIST OR LOWER ARM INJURY MAY RESULT.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE POWER SLIDING DOOR INTERIOR HANDLE ON THE PASSENGER-SIDE. IF THE VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH A POWER OR MANUAL SLIDING DOOR ON THE DRIVER-SIDE, THE INTERIOR HANDLE WILL ALSO BE REPLACED FOR APPEARANCE REASONS. NOTE: BEFORE THE VEHICLE IS SERVICED, GM ADVISES OWNERS TO NOT USE THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE TO OPEN THE DOOR. THE DRIVER CAN OPEN AND CLOSE THE DOOR FROM SWITCHES AT THE DRIVER'S POSITION OR BY USING THE REMOTE KEY FOB. THE DRIVER SHOULD TELL PASSENGERS TO USE THE SWITCH LOCATED IN FRONT OF THE DOOR TO OPEN OR CLOSE IT. THE DRIVER SHOULD USE THE OVERRIDE SWITCH TO PREVENT OPERATION OF THE POWER DOOR BY CHILDREN OR BY OTHERS WHO ARE NOT FAMILIAR WITH ITS USE. THE OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTER MAILING WILL BE CONDUCTED IN PHASES WITH THE FIRST PHASE BEGINNING ON MAY 31, 2005. THE SECOND PHASE MAILING BEGAN ON JULY 18, 2005. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 31, 2005. PHASE 2 BEGAN ON JULY 18, 2005. PHASE 3 (FINAL PHASE) BEGAN ON AUGUST 24, 2005, TO ALL REMAINING CUSTOMERS. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438; PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668; OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537.

Defect. CERTAIN MINIVANS, PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEM." THE OWNER'S MANUAL DOES NOT EXPLAIN THE MEANING OF THE LOCATION SYMBOLS FOR THE CHILD RESTRAINT LOWER UNIVERSAL ANCHORAGE SYSTEM.

Risk. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.

Remedy. OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A SUPPLEMENT FOR THEIR OWNER'S MANUAL. THIS SUPPLEMENT DESCRIBES AND SHOWS THE LOCATION SYMBOLS FOR THE CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORS THAT ARE LOCATED IN THE VEHICLE AND ON THE CHILD RESTRAINT OR BOOSTER CUSHION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 18, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537.

Defect. ON CERTAIN MINI VANS, PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG THAT MAY NOT DEPLOY AS DESIGNED. IN ADDITION, THE AIR BAG INFLATOR COULD RUPTURE.

Risk. THIS COULD RESULT IN REDUCED CAPABILITY OF THE AIR BAG TO PROTECT THE DRIVER. ALSO IF THE AIR BAG INFLATOR RUPTURED, PIECES OF THE INFLATOR COULD STRIKE AND INJURE THE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND IF NECESSARY, INSTALL A NEW DRIVER'S AIR BAG. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MARCH 11, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-800-521-7300, CADILLAC AT 1-800-458-8006, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, GMC AT 1-800-462-8782, OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737.

Defect. CERTAIN PASSENGER, MINI VANS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES HAVE AN AIR BAG INFLATOR ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE THAT COULD FRACTURE AT A WELD DURING A DEPLOYMENT.

Risk. PIECES OF THE INFLATOR COULD STRIKE AND INJURE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS AND THE AIR BAG CUSHION WOULD NOT INFLATE FULLY, REDUCING THE CAPABILITY OF THE BAG TO PROTECT THE DRIVER.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND REPLACE, IF NECESSARY, THE AIR BAG MODULE ASSEMBLY ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 15, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-800-521-7300, CADILLAC AT 1-800-458-8006, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, GMC AT 1-800-462-8782, OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537, OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737.

Van crashed with damage to the front when it ran off the road and went into a culvert/ditch and air bags did not deploy resulting in paralyzation of the wife of the owner after van had been apparently donated to Charity Cars as junk vehicle or salvage vehicle. Vehicle was apparently repaired by towing company and offered for sale at at a used car dealership in Zanesville, Ohio. The passenger side lower dashboard had a white wire hanging down which may have been connected to a defective replacement airbag. I am an attorney representing the owner and the owner's wife. Black box was analyzed in 2019, but not with the latest program.

I WAS IN A ACCIDENT AND HIT A TRUCK BROADSIDE. I ENDED UP HITTING THE STEERING WHEEL WITH MY CHEST. NOT ONLY WAS MY SEATBELT INEFFECTIVE, BUT THE AIRBAG DID NOT OPEN. I DID SUSTAIN CHEST INJURY. IRAN A STOP SIGN IN TOWN.

WHILE IN A STATIONARY MODE AFTER PARKING TO GET AIR FOR MY TIRES, THE STEERING COLUMN LOCKED. TOOK ABOUT 20 MINUTES WITH ASSISTANCE TO UNLOCK, THIS I FEEL IS UNSAFE WITH THE CLIMATE OF THE WORLD TODAY, YOU NEED TO BE ABLE TO GET IN YOUR VEHICLE TURN IT ON AND BE ON YOUR WAY. NO IMAGE OR DOCUMENT TO UPLOAD JUST FRUSTRATION.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC MONTANA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS IN WET CONDITIONS, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED INTERMITTENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. IN ADDITION, THE POWER STEERING MADE AN ABNORMAL WINDING NOISE. THE DEALER (STOOPS BUICK GMC, 1251 QUAKER BLVD, PLAINFIELD, IN, 46168, 317-839-7771) INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 216,000.

CHECK THE AIRBAGS SOMETHING WITH BRAKE LIGHT AN ELECTRICAL.

TAKATA RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN # 07349000 GM RECALL #06230 MY VAN IS LEAKING GAS AT THE INLET VALVE AND I SEE IS RECALLED AND CAUSE A FIRE. I NEED TO KNOW HOW I GET THIS RECAL FIXED ASAP. HAVE CHILDREN AND DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THE VAN OR LETTING THE CHILDREN RIDE IN MY VAN. SMELLS LIKE GASOLINE THROUGHOT VEHICLE AND YOU CAN SEE THE CRACK AT THE INLET VALVE.

WE HAVE TO KEPT CHANGING THE BRAKE LIGHTS IN THE BACK BECAUSE THEY KEEP GOING OUT EVER FEW WEEKS. WE EVEN WENT AND BOUGHT A NEW STOP SIGNAL SWITCH BUT THAT WASN'T IT. WE WANT TO KNOW IF THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE BRAKE LIGHT AND THE WIRING AND WHY THEY KEEP GOING OUT. WE HAVE HAD ISSUES SINCE WE BOUGHT IN JUNE 2014. WE ARE JUST TIRED OF KEEP POURING MONEY INTO IT BUT I DON'T WANT AN ACCIDENT OR TO GET PULL OVER EITHER. THE ONLY LIGHT THAT NEVER HAS AN ISSUE IS THE BRAKE BAR ON TOP. *TR

BOTH SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS(INSIDE SEAT) DEPLOYED WITHOUT A VEHICLE ACCIDENT OR COLLISION.. BOTH MY WIFE AND I WERE STRUCK WITH THE AIRBAGS. OUR 4 CHILDREN WERE IN THE VEHICLE AT THE TIME OF DEPLOYMENT. NONE OF THEM WERE STRUCK DIRECTLY BUT THE NOISE INVOLVED WAS VERY LOUD AND POWDER WAS PRESENT IN THE AIR FOLLOWING DEPLOYMENT. VEHICLE IS NOT WORTH REPAIR ACCORDING TO GM . I HAD NOT PLANNED TO PURCHASE ANOTHER VEHICLE UNTIL THE FALL OF 2015 BUT THIS VEHICLE IS UNSAFE FOR MY FAMILY. I NEED TO HAVE IT HE VEHICLE PAID OFF DUE TO SAFETY SO WE CAN ATTEMPT TO PURCHASE ANOTHER VEHICLE THAT IS SAFE. *TR

AFTER HEADING HOME FROM TAKING MY SON TO THE ER, MY TEMP GAUGE STARTED TO RISE FAST TO THE RED LINES WHILE I WAS GOING DOWN THE STREET. I QUICKLY PULLED OVER, PUT IT IN PARK AND SHUT MY ENGINE OFF. I GOT OUT OUT OF THE CAR AND LOOKED UNDER NEATH. COOLANT WAS POURING ALL OVER THE GROUND UNDER THE ENGINE. OBVIOUSLY COULDN'T DRIVE SO I HAD TO CALL THE HUSBAND TO PICK US UP AND A TOW TRUCK. TOOK THE VAN TO TWO DIFFERENT GARAGES AND THEY BOTH SAID THE HEAD GASKET BLEW. I HAVE FOUND THAT GM KNOWS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND MANY HAVE COMPLAINED BUT YET NOT ONE RECALL ON THIS ISSUE. I HAVE EVEN SEEN THIS ISSUE IN THE SERVICE NOTE DUE TO PLASTIC PARTS. GARAGES ARE ASKING 15 HUNDRED FOR REPAIR!!! *JS

STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP,IGNITION DID NOT DISENGAGE WHEN KEY WAS RELEASED,INCIDENT BECOMING MORE AND MORE FREQUENT. *TR

BRAKES LIGHTS AND HEAD LIGHTS ON MY 2003 PONTIAC MONTANA HAVE BEEN GOING OUT PERIODICALLY FOR SEVERAL YEARS NOW. AFTER REPLACING LIGHT HOUSING, BULBS AND OTHER COMPONENTS, THE BRAKE LIGHTS CONTINUE TO BLOW OUT. AT ONE POINT WE THOUGHT IT WAS BECAUSE OF ALL OF THE MOISTURE BUILD UP, SO AFTER MY HUSBAND REPLACED THE HOUSING AGAIN, HE DRILLS HOLES IN THE BOTTOM OF THE HEADLIGHT COVERS TO HELP DRAIN MOISTURE. THAT HAS SEEMED TO HELP IN ONE OF THE LIGHTS. THE BRAKE LIGHTS ON THE LEFT SIDE CONTINUE TO GO OUT ABOUT A DAY AFTER EVERY REPLACEMENT. MOST OF THE INTERIOR LIGHTING HAS GONE OUT AS WELL AND THE SUSPENSION IS TERRIBLE. *TR

BRAKE LIGHTS STOPPED WORKING. CHECKED BRAKE LIGHT BULBS AND FOUND THAT PLASTIC LAMP BASES WERE MELTED SO THE TERMINALS NO LONGER MADE CONTACT IN THE SOCKETS. SEARCHING THE INTERNET, I FOUND THIS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AND THESE VEHICLES SHOULD BE RECALLED AND CORRECTIVE ACTION TAKEN. *TR..UPDATED 10/30/13 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE RIGHT BRAKE LIGHT BURNS OUT EVERY 4-6 WEEKS. UPDATED 10/31/2013*JS

VAN OVER HEATED AFTER REPLACING WATER PUMP AND THERMOSTAT. DEXCOOL WAS REQUIRED BY GM FOR WARRANTY CAR WAS FLUSHED OUT AND DEXCOOL WAS REPLACED. ONE WEEK LATER VAN OVER HEATED AGAIN, WAS TOLD IT WAS AN AIR BUBBLE IN HEATING SYSTEM. BLEED OUT SYSTEM USING A VACUUM PUMP AND PULLED OUT ALL THE AIR IN THE SYSTEM. THIS WORKED FOR ABOUT 3 MONTHS. PROBLEM RETURNED AGAIN IN SPRING IN 3/6/2012 OVER HEATED AGAIN DRIVINGBAT HIGHWAY SPEEDS 25 MILES FROM STARTING POINT. FOUND AIR IN SYSTEM AGAIN. HAD WATER PUMP, THERMOSTAT, HOSES AND COOLANT ALL REPLACED AGAIN. PROBLEM IS STILL OCCURRING. DEXCOOL DESTROYED THE HEAD GASKET IN THE MOTOR. NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM I HAVE FOUND FROM NEW REPAIR SHOP THEY WORK ON AT LEAST 2 A WEEK. GM HAS HIDDEN THIS FROM THE PUBLIC NEEDS TO BE A FULL RECALL ON HEAD GASKETS. AT NO COST TO OWNERS. THIS REPAIR WILL COST ABOUT $1500 TO $2000 DEPENDING ON THE REPAIR SHOP I HAVE CONTACTED. WHEN CAR WAS UNDER WARRANTY NOTHING WAS SAID, NOW THEY SAY IT'S THE HEAD GASKETS AT THE GM DEALERSHIPS. *JS

FUEL TANK LEAKS SEVERE WHERE FILLER TUBE ENTERS THE FUEL TANK. *TR

GOT INTO VAN,STARTED ENGINE AND REACHED TO GET SEATBELT WHEN THERE WAS A LOUD BANG. I WAS VERY STARTLED; EARS RINGING,LEFT ARM TINGLING/ACHING. THEN REALIZED THAT BOTH SIDE AIRBAGS HAD DEPLOYED. I SHUT THE ENGINE OFF WONDERING IF SOMEONE HIT ME IN PARKING LOT BUT THAT WAS NOT THE CASE. THEY DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC MONTANA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT MOISTURE WAS ACCUMULATING IN THE HEADLIGHTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO REFERRED HIM TO THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO ADVISED THE CONTACT TO REPLACE THE HEADLIGHTS WITH A NEWER MODEL. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 77,000.

I HAVE A 2003 PONTIAC MONTANA. THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW WOULD ROLL DOWN FINE USING THE POWER SWITCH. BUT ROLLING IT UP IS A PROBLEM. IT ROLLS UP CROOKED AND IS SLOW. HAD TO GRAB THE GLASS BY MY HAND AND HELP. I TOOK IT TO A GARAGE AND WE REPLACED THE SLIDER FOR THE GLASS, THE OLD ONE LOOKED LOOSE AT THE JOINTS THAT SWIVEL. THE NEW MECHANISM WORKED FINE FOR ABOUT 2 MONTHS AND IS NOW ACTING THE SAME AS THE OLD ONE. SLOW AND CROOKED RISE. WE DID NOT CHANGE THE MOTOR, JUST THE TRACK HARDWARE. *TR

A 2003 PONTIAC MONTANA WAS IN A PARKING LOT. PEOPLE SITTING IN DRIVER'S SEAT AND FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. THE IGNITION WAS ON BUT THE CAR WAS STILL IN PARK. WITHOUT ANY WARNING, BOTH SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED, CAUSING SOFT TISSUE INJURY TO DRIVER'S LEFT LOWER RIB CAGE. THERE WERE NO OTHER CARS INVOLVED; THERE WAS NO CONTACT WITH ANY OTHER OBJECT. *TR

GAS LEAK ON MY 2003 PONTIAC MONTANA. MECHANIC SAID IT WAS A DEFECT IN THE TANK. *TR

WE HAVE OWNED THE CAR SINCE OCT 2005, PURCHASED USED FROM A SATURN DEALERSHIP. CAR WAS INVOLVED IN A GAS TANK RECALL, HOWEVER WE WERE NOTIFIED NEARLY TWO YEARS AFTER WE HAD A RUPTURE THAT DROPPED AN ENTIRE TANK OF FUEL ON THE DRIVEWAY AND WERE TOLD WE WERE LUCKY TO BE ALIVE HAVING DRIVEN UNKNOWINGLY WITH THIS LEAK. TANK WAS REPLACED UNDER EXTENDED AUTO WARRANTY. MULTIPLE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS: TAIL LIGHT GOES OUT AND IS REPLACED, THEN DRIVER HEADLIGHT GOES OUT. WATER LEAKS INSIDE DRIVERS SIDE HEADLIGHT WHEN IT RAINS. THE TAIL PLUG IN FOR TAIL LIGHT BULB HAD GOTTEN SO HOT IT HAD MELTED THE PLUG IN BOTH TAIL LIGHTS. RANDOM ELECTRICAL FAILURE WITH WINDOWS AND DOOR LOCKS OCCURRING. DASH PANEL BURNED OUT, RADIO DISPLAY BLED OUT AND RADIO THEN FAILED - WOULD NOT TURN OFF AFTER BUTTON WAS PUSHED AND HAD TO BE REMOVED FROM THE DASHBOARD IN ORDER TO AVOID DRAINING BATTERY COMPLETELY. TRACTION TIRE FAILURE WHEN ENGAGED OCCURRED IN COMBINATION WITH POWER STEERING FAILURE, CRUISE CONTROL FAILURE, AND ON ONE OCCASION COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE. NO WARNING, NO SQUEALING, NO GRINDING, NO PULLING TO THE SIDE: JUST COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE THAT RESULTED IN AN AUTO ACCIDENT THAT INJURED 3 PEOPLE. NON DEALERSHIP MECHANIC CHECKED THE BRAKES AND DETERMINED BRAKE FLUID LEAK/MASTER CYLINDER CAUSED THE FAILURE, STATED REGULATORY SYSTEM FOR BRAKE SYSTEM MOST LIKELY RESULTED IN LEAK. MECHANIC ALSO DISCOVERED DRIVERS SIDE FRONT BRAKE HAD SEIZED AND SCOURED THE ROUTER AND PAD ON THE INSIDE OF THE WHEEL. BRAKES

MOISTURE IN HEADLIGHTS, BACK BULBS CONSTANTLY BURN OUT, BACK WINDOWS OFTEN WILL NOT CLOSE. *TR

I OPENED THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR WITH MY REMOTE AND BEGAN PLACING GROCERIES IN THE VAN. WHILE PERFORMING THIS ACTION, MY DAUGHTER THOUGHT SHE WOULD HELP ME BY TURNING ON THE LIGHT ON THE OVERHEARD PANEL. SHE PUSHED THE WRONG BUTTON. THE AUTOMATIC DOOR BEGAN CLOSING WHILE I WAS LEANING INTO THE VAN. IT CONTINUED CLOSING, SQUEEZING ME INTO THE DOOR FRAME ITSELF. I WAS NOT ABLE TO FREE MYSELF UNTIL THE DOOR BEGAN RETRACTING ON ITS OWN. BOTH HIPS ARE BRUISED AND SORE AND IT IS PAINFUL TO WALK. *TR

THERE HAS BEEN A NOTICEABLE ACCUMULATION OF WATER IN THE HEADLIGHTS OF MY 2003 PONTIAC MONTANA. ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE BULB SHORTS OUT. THERE HAS BEEN SOME DETERIORATION OF ILLUMINATION ABILITY DUE TO THE WATER, PARTICULARLY IN THE LAST YEAR. *TR

HEADLIGHT LENSES FILL WITH MOISTURE AND BLOW BULBS OUT. *TR

FRONT HEADLIGHT HAD LOTS OF MOISTURE ON THE INTERIOR, WHICH CAUSED THE BULB TO BURN OUT. I NEEDED TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE HEADLIGHT UNIT, A $240 PART. *TR

HEAD LIGHTS FILL UP WITH MOISTURE AND BLOWS HEADLIGHT BULBS OUT WHILE DRIVING. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC MONTANA. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. IN ADDITION, HE NOTICED FUEL LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE WHEN PLACING GASOLINE IN THE TANK. HE CONCLUDED THAT THE FUEL TANK INLET CHECK VALVE (ICV) FRACTURED, WHICH ALLOWED FUEL VAPORS TO PASS THROUGH AND DROPLETS OF FUEL TO ACCUMULATE ON THE SIDE OF THE FUEL TANK. A FIRE COULD OCCUR IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V349000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE). A TECHNICIAN STATED THAT BECAUSE HIS VEHICLE HAS A LONG WHEEL BASE INSTEAD OF THE REGULAR WHEEL BASE, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT BE REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO PAY $900 FOR THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 99,000. UPDATED 07/01/09 *BF UPDATED 07/06/09.*JB

THE VALVE PULLED OUT OF ROCKER ARM MID 2008 ON #2 CAL COSTING APPROX 600.00 REPAIR AGAIN IN 2009 THE #3 CYL VALVE PULLED OUT EFFECTING ANOTHER REPAIR. THEN A WEEK LATER THE #5 CYL HAS QUIT FIRING. THIS IS THE 3400 OR 3.4 LITER ENGINE. MY MECHANIC EXPLAINED THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MOTOR IN THE GRAND AM OR GRAND PRIX. *TR

WAS TOLD INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET FAILED. OVER A THOUSAND DOLLAR FIX WITH RELIGIOUS OIL CHANGES AND COOLANT FLUSHES, SHOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED. I HAVE TALKED WITH MANY MONTANA OWNERS OF DIFFERENT YEARS AND ALL HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS CANNOT BE A SURPRISE! THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG HERE... EVEN TWO DIFFERENT REPAIR SHOPS SAID THIS IS A "COMMON" ISSUE OF THE PONTIAC MONTANA. I WAS TOLD THEY WERE SURPRISED IT DIDN'T HAPPEN SOONER AND THERE WERE SIGNS IT WAS IN THE MAKING FOR AWHILE. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS! ITS NOT A CHEAP FIX! *TR

I FILLED MY TANK WITH GAS AND NOTICED THE GAS ODOR INSIDE THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY. WITHIN THE NEXT TWO TO THREE DAYS THE SMELL INCREASED AND I NOTICED IT WHILE WALKING AROUND THE VEHICLE OUTSIDE. I TOOK IT FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND THEY CHECKED AND FOUND THAT THERE IS A LEAK IN THE GAS TANK. THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT OR INJURY PRECEDING THIS LEAK. *TR

PROBLEM WITH LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD THAT HAS TO BE REPLACED DUE TO BAD DEXCOOL. DEALERSHIP WILL NOT COVER REPAIR FOR VEHICLE. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC MONTANA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE, THE CONTACT SMELLED FUEL THROUGHOUT HER HOME. SHE DISCOVERED A POOL OF GASOLINE UNDERNEATH THE REAR OF HER VEHICLE. THE FUEL TANK WAS INVESTIGATED BY A RELATIVE AND THEY FOUND A FRACTURE IN THE FUEL TANK. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V349000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE). THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 100,000. UPDATED 12/30/08 *CN UPDATED 01/02/09. *JB

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC MONTANA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5-10 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND LOST ALL POWER. ALL OF THE POWER DOORS LOCKED, WHICH PREVENTED THE CONTACT FROM EXITING THE VEHICLE. SHE MOVED INTO THE BACK SEAT AND WAS ABLE TO OPEN THE SLIDING DOOR TO EXIT THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE BATTERY WAS DEAD. AFTER FURTHER DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, THE DEALER REALIZED THAT THE THEFT MODULE WAS DEFECTIVE. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE STARTED. THE CONTACT IS CONCERNED THAT THE FAILURE COULD OCCUR WHILE DRIVING WITH CHILDREN IN THE VEHICLE OR A FIRE OR CRASH COULD OCCUR. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER AND THEY ARE REPLACING THE BATTERY AND THEFT MODULE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 32,000.

2003 PONTIAC MONTANA 3.4L SERIES "E" ENGINE. 10/15/2007 85,342 MILES. ROCKER ARM BOLTS (8MM) STRIPED OUT OF THE 1,3,5 CYLINDER HEAD. HEAD NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. REPAIRED AT DEALER $1,500.00. DEALER SERVICE CENTER ALSO CHECKED 2,4,6 CYLINDER HEAD AND ROCKER ARM BOLTS, ALL OK. 11/10/2007 88,702 MILES. ROCKER ARM BOLTS (8MM) STRIPED OUT OF THE 2,4,6 CYLINDER HEAD. AGAIN ON SAME VEHICLE HEAD NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. ANOTHER $1,500.00 THIS SITE AREADY SHOWS LOOSE OR STRIPPED BOLTS ON OTHER 2003 MONTANAS. I WONDER WHAT A CROSS REFERENCE OF GM 3.4L ENGINES SHOW UP WITH THIS SAME PROBLEM. *TR

2003 PONTIAC MONTANA MINIVAN HAVE HAD BOTH FRONT HEADLIGHT UNITS FILL UP WITH CONDENSATION EFFECTIVELY RUINING THE HEADLIGHTS. GENERAL MOTORS REPLACED THE DRIVERS SIDE UNIT IN 2006 AS A "GOODWILL' GESTURE BUT NOW REFUSES TO REPLACE THE PASSENGER'S SIDE. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE WHICH I UNDERSTAND HAS HAPPENED TO A LOT OF OTHER PONTIAC MINIVANS. THESE FAILURES ARE NOT DUE TO ANY EXTERNAL DAMAGE TO THE UNITS BUT SOME DEFECT IS CAUSING THESE UNITS TO FILL WITH CONDENSATION AND THIS CREATES A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE BY RUINING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE HEADLIGHTS.. *TR

ONE DAY WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM AN OUT OF TOWN TRIP MY MESSAGE CENTER LIT UP WITH "SERVICE TRACTION SYSTEM," THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON, AND THE "TRAC LIGHT" CAME ON. I TOOK IT TO A PONTIAC DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME IT WAS GOING TO BE APPROX. 500.00 TO REPLACE THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL HUB DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE SENSOR IN IT IS BAD. I FIGURED THIS WAS PROBABLY SOMETHING WE COULD HAVE ANOTHER FRIEND DO THAT WAS A MECHANIC AS IT WAS ALOT CHEAPER. WE DID JUST THAT. WE WENT TO O'REILLYS AND BOUGHT A NEW HUB ASSEMBLY WITH THE SENSOR IN IT. WE TOOK IT TO OUR FRIEND WHO REPLACED IT. LATER THE VERY SAME DAY IT ALL CAME ON AGAIN! *TR

I OWN A 2003 PONTIAC MONTANA. ON AUGUST 19TH, 2005 I HAD TO HAVE THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL BEARING REPLACED, THERE WERE 29,852 MILES ON THE VEHICLE AT THAT TIME. THE REPAIRS WERE DONE BY THE PONTIAC GARAGE IN ALTOONA PA SINE THE VEHICLE WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. ON FEBRUARY 9TH, 2006 I HAD TO HAVE THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL BEARING REPLACED, THERE WERE 39,007 MILES ON THE VEHICLE AT THAT TIME. SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY THE REPAIRS WERE DONE BY THE MONRO GARAGE ALSO IN ALTOONA AND PAID FOR OUT OF POCKET. ON APRIL 1ST, 2008 I HAD TO HAVE BOTH WHEEL BEARINGS REPLACED AGAIN. THE MILEAGE WAS 78,054. I HAVE CONTACTED GM AND WAS TOLD THAT SINCE I DON'T GET MY REPAIRS DONE AT A GM GARAGE THAT THEY WOULD NOT REIMBURSE ME FOR THE REPAIRS. THE CASE NUMBER THEY ASSIGNED IS #71-618077441. I TALKED TO TWO INDIVIDUALS: PENNY MERCER 866-790-5600 EXT 12750 I THEN SPOKE TO SHERRY HICKEY WHO IDENTIFIED HERSELF AS THE MANAGER. WHEEL BEARINGS IN TODAY'S VEHICLES NORMALLY HAVE A VERY LONG LIFE EXPECTANCY. TO HAVE TO REPLACE THEM TWICE IN LESS THAN 80,000 MILES SUGGESTS TO ME THAT THERE IS A MAJOR PROBLEM AT THE VERY LEAST WITH THIS VEHICLE POSSIBLY NATIONALLY. *TR

DRIVERS WINDOW STICKS AND IS FALLING OUT. THIS SAME THING IS HAPPENING ON COMPANY VAN AND CO-WORKER WITH THE SAME STYLE VEHICLE. WINDOW IN COMPANY VAN HAS HAD NEW MECHANISM AND WINDOW TRIM REPLACED AND IS DOING IT AGAIN. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC MONTANA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WHEN SHE LEANED OVER THE SEAT. THE FAILURE MADE A VERY LOUD NOISE. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER, BUT THEY HAVE NOT YET DETERMINED THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE AIR BAG HAS NOT BEEN SERVICED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT DUE TO THE LOUD NOISE FROM THE AIR BAG, HER HEARING HAS NOT BEEN PROPERLY RESTORED. SHE HAS NOT YET BEEN TREATED FOR THIS CONDITION. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 80,000. UPDATED 01/11/08. *LJ

WIFE DETECTED A GAS SMELL FROM THE REAR OF HER VAN. SHE LET IT GO DUE TO THE RECENT FILL UP. I NOTICED A PUDDLE UNDER MY WIFE'S VAN AND INVESTIGATED THE SOURCE OF THE PUDDLE. I DETERMINED THAT THE LIQUID WAS GAS AND IT WAS STREAMING FROM AROUND THE INLET FUEL VALVE AND THE FUEL TANK. I LOOKED UP THE REPAIR PROCEDURE ON LINE AND CAME ACROSS A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE ON MY PARTICULAR VAN. (RECALL ID# 07V349000) COME TO FIND OUT THIS RECALL WAS SEGREGATED TO THREE MOS. IN 2002.(JUNE-AUGUST) MY PARTICULAR DATE OF ASSEMBLY IS OCT. 2002, IN TURN DOES NOT QUALIFY FOR THE RECALL. HOWEVER REFLECTS THE SAME ISSUE. *TR

INTAKE MANIFOLD LEAKING AT 60,000 MILES. DEALER WILL NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. HAVE HEARD THIS FROM MANY SOURCES AND THERE IS A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT BEING PROPOSED. *TR UPDATED 01-15-08. *KB UPDATED *JB

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC MONTANA EXTENDED CAB. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, THE VEHICLE WAS SQUEALING, SHAKING, AND SQUEAKING. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT IT WAS MISSING A CYLINDER AND THE ENGINE WAS LOOSE. THE ROCKER BOLT FELL OFF OF THE HEAD OF THE ROCKER ARM AND THE HEAD HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE INCREASED AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 30-45MPH. THE CURRENT MILEAGE ON THE VEHICLE WAS 85,500 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,400. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNAVAILABLE.

FUEL TANK HAS DEVELOPED A LEAK. *TR

THE WIPERS ON OUR 2003 PONTIAC MONTANA WITH ROUGHLY 48000 MILES, STARTED MOVING SLOWLY EVEN WHEN SET IN THE FASTEST WIPER SETTING. TOOK IT TO A LOCAL GARAGE THAT REPLACED THE WIPER MOTOR. WIPERS WERE STILL SLOW. TOOK IT TO A GM DEALER ON 10/4/06. THEY COULD NOT FIND THE SOURCE OF THE PROBLEM AND GREASED THE MECHANICAL ARMS (WIPER TRANSMISSION). A FEW DAYS LATER IN A DRIVING RAIN THE WIPERS STOPPED MOVING COMPLETELY. TOOK IT BACK TO THE GM DEALER 10/16/06. THEY REPLACED THE WIPER TRANSMISSION AND WIPER MOTOR FOR A BILL IN EXCESS OF $1000. THE WIPER TRANSMISSION WAS BINDING IN THE PASSENGER SIDE STEM THAT THE WIPER ARM ATTACHES TO. *NM

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND VEHICLE BEGAN TO RUN ROUGH. AFTER SERVICE WORK WAS PERFORMED TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM IT WAS FOUND OUT THAT TWO BOLTS THAT HOLD THE ROCKER ARM ASSEMBLY ON FOR CYLINDER #3 WERE IN FACT STRIPPED AND FELL OUT OF THE ENGINE HEAD. UPON DISCOVERING THIS IT WAS DETERMINED THAT CHECKING THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ENGINE WOULD ALSO BE PRUDENT. THERE WE ALSO FOUND ONE STRIPPED BOLT ON THE HEAD. THIS ENGINE HAD NEVER BEFORE BEEN APART. WE BOUGHT THE VEHICLE NEW AND WERE SHOCKED THAT SUCH A MECHANICAL FAILURE COULD HAPPEN AT 62,000 MILES ON A THREE YEAR OLD VEHICLE!!! *NM

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THERE WAS A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL WITHOUT WARNING AND THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A HIGHWAY BARRIER. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES AND THERE A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT TAKEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, WHO DETERMINED THE REAR AXLE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED TOTALED. 8AK

BRAKE LIGHT BULBS CONTINUALLY BURN OUT. THE BOTTOM OF THE BULBS ARE MELTED WHEN REMOVED. ALL OTHER TAIL LIGHTS WORK FINE. THIS IS THE SAME PROBLEM EXPERIENCED BY OWNERS OF 2002 MODEL MONTANAS THAT HAVE LOGGED SEVERAL COMPLAINTS. MINE IS A 2003 MODEL HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. *JB

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED COMPLETELY. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED IMMEDIATELY. THE VEHICLE ALSO STALLED MORE FREQUENTLY AT LOWER SPEEDS. IT WAS PREVIOUSLY TAKEN TO A SERVICE DEALER FOR THE SAME ISSUE, HOWEVER THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. ALSO, THERE WAS A SMELL OF FUEL OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. AFTER BEING TAKEN TO A PRIVATE REPAIR SHOP, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THERE WAS FUEL A LEAK WHERE THE FILLER NECK MET THE TANK. THE TANK AND FILLER NECK WERE REPLACED, WHICH CORRECTED THE PROBLEM.*AK

WE PURCHASED OUR MINI VAN BRAND NEW IN 2003, SINCE THEN THE DRIVER SIDE AUTOMATIC SLIDING DOOR BOUNCES OPEN. THE DOOR DOES NOT OPEN WHILE DRIVING, BUT INTERMITTENTLY THE DOOR WILL NOT CLOSE, IT WILL CONTINUE TO REOPEN. SOMETIMES THE DOOR WILL ONLY PARTIALLY CLOSE. I HAVE TAKEN THIS VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP NUMEROUS TIMES, ALL PARTS ON THE DOOR HAVE BEEN REPLACED. I HAVE CALLED GMC CUSTOMER SERVICE, THEY HAVE EXTENDED THE WARRANTY ON THE DOOR, BUT THE PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE GETTING WORSE AND NOBODY SEEMS TO BE INTERESTED IN MAKING SURE IT'S PROPERLY FIXED. I HAVE RECENTLY BEEN TOLD THAT A "DIAGNOSTIC" NEEDS TO BE RUN ON THE DOOR, HOW WOULD THIS MAKE A DIFFERENCE...THE PARTS ON THIS DOOR HAVE ALL BEEN REPLACED. I AM VERY FRUSTRATED. *JB

AFTER SHUTTING OFF VAN, TRIED TO OPEN SLIDING PASSENGER DOOR WITH KEY FOB, NOTHING HAPPENED, TRIED YANKING ON DOOR, AGAIN NOTHING, TRIED OPENING DOOR WITH SWITCH IN UPPER CONSOLE, NOTHING. DOOR WAS UNLOCKED, BUT WOULD NOT OPEN UNDER POWER. SON WAS LOCKED INSIDE THE VAN. MY HUSBAND WAS FINALLY ABLE TO MANUALLY OPEN DOOR WITH GREAT FORCE. HAD TO MANUALLY FORCE DOOR TO CLOSE. WHEN I TOOK THE VAN TO DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THE MANIFOLD GASKET REPLACED HAD THE SERVICE TECH LOOK AT THE DOOR AND WAS TOLD THEY COULDN'T RECREATE PROBLEM, THERE WAS NOTHING TO BE DONE. WAS TOLD TO BRING BACK VAN IF IT HAPPENED AGAIN. WAS TOLD TO TIE DOOR CLOSED AS THE LOCK MIGHT FAIL, BUT THERE WAS NOTHING THAT COULD BE DONE. ANY WONDER WHY WE ARE NOT BUYING OUT THE LEASE OR PURCHASING ANOTHER MONTANA. *JB